Beaches on Koh Samui - Travel information

Bophut

Bophut is an old fishing village that is undoubtedly one of the most charming beach spots on the island. Although many of the seafront shop houses have been converted into trendy restaurants and shops, there is still something special about the village, which retains its original heritage.

Several kilometers of white sandy beach and the calm waters of the bay make this a popular spot for relaxing, wining and dining. At night, the area is charming - quiet and intimate, and a wonderful alternative to the island's more hedonistic locations.

Luxury holiday villas for rent in Bophut: Ban Lealay

Big Buddha & Choeng Mon

Big Buddha Beach is on the northeastern tip of Koh Samui, and as the name suggests, is home to the 15m-high Big Buddha statue. Like Bophut, it remains a tranquil and relaxed location, with a pleasing pace of life.

Luxury holiday villas for rent in Big Buddha (Bangrak: Bacaya - View Baan Dalah

Further eastwards, is Choeng Mon. This beach is only 15 minutes from Chaweng, but because it is in a protected cove, the water remains calm and clear.

Luxury holiday villas for rent in Choeng Mon: Motsamot

Bang Po

Bang Po is a quieter area of the island but due to its location on the North West coast of Koh Samui it remains close to the entertainment, nightlife, shopping and activity centers which makes it a very popular holiday location.

Bang Po has many small beaches scattered along the coast and most of the accommodation found here are private villas for rent and houses, though you will aslo find a few bungalow type resorts.

Luxury holiday villas for rent in Bang Po: The Emerald Residence

Chaweng

With seven kilometers of fine white sands stretching down Koh Samui’s East coast, it is easy to see why Chaweng has long been established as the island’s most popular beach. The main beach lends itself to all kinds of Watersports activities, as well as offering social and scenic opportunities. Hundreds of bronzed bodies worship the Thai sun on these expansive sands but there is still enough space to get away from the crowds if you wish, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Beyond the beach, the center of Chaweng beach road features the island’s largest selection of eating, shopping and partying opportunities. International and local cuisines, souvenir and handicraft bargains, and a good range of bars, music venues and dance clubs are available to suit anyone’s tastes or mood. For a more intimate evening, there are plenty of bars and restaurants right on the beach, offering a relaxed view of the gentle waves and the starry skies above. Wining and dining on some of Samui’s seafood specialties, with the sand between your toes, is something not to be missed.

Laem Sor

Laem Sor is famous for its ancient pagoda. This beach-front chedi may be the most beautiful place on the island. The chedi is actually rather old, but restored just a few years ago with glazed tiles that have a mustard color probably meant to be look like gold. Next to the chedi is a small 'meditation forest' of trees with places to sit and even a few tables. Surrounding the forest on two sides is a man-made lagoon with some mangrove trees planted along the ocean side.

This stretch of quiet beach has just a few private homes on it allowing it to retain its tropical serenity overlooking the islands of Koh Matsum and Koh Taen.

Luxury Holiday Villas for rent in Laem Sor: Ban Laem Sor

Lamai

Lamai's attractions are its open market and the old monastery, which includes a local museum. Nature lovers will want to explore the paths just to the back of the beach road, where peaceful coconut and fruit (banana, pineapple, durian) plantations can be found, as well trekking trails leading into the island’s jungle interior.

The main beach road features attractions such as health and meditation centers and a Thai boxing school, whilst further along stand the famous Grandfather and Grandmother rocks, a favorite amongst Thai and foreign tourists.

Maenam

Maenam, on the northern coast of Koh Samui is still very much a traditional Thai village, containing a variety of authentic wooden houses and shops, some over 70 years old. The beach is calm, clean and runs for approximately 4km - a great option for peace seekers.

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